B12 deficiency & depression

[Purplegirl2]

Starting to see how my decline in b12 injection frequency was correlated with my sharp decline in mood. I’d say my mood 3 months ago was moderate to high overall. Now I feel the depression intensely and my productivity (which was excellent managed before) is starting to crumble.

I’m so relieved to get the weekly shots again but also sad because I know it will take weeks for my mood to improve again.

I knew all along I wasn’t out of the woods, even with the higher mood 3 months ago because I still struggle with brain fog that makes mental tasks take longer and require more effort. I still feel cognitively “impaired”, not running on all cylinders yet.

I just feel so sad, it takes a big effort to get out of bed every morning. At the same time I despair that I feel that I can’t give my school work my best efforts right now. I have a lot on my plate that requires my very best. Sometimes it feels like too much.

[Sammyo23]

Hope you feel better soon. I had a similar experience with the memory loss.

[VellBlue]

It may not take as long as you think to get your mood improving. You're on your shots now, take some sublinguals as well to get your levels up as quickly as possible (as they may help).

Yes you have lost time, been ill, it's frustrating, but we can't change that now, focus on the future. You have your injections now and will be back to normal.

It's quite scary and upsetting when your B12 injections have been withdrawn and your health has been disregarded and left to deteriorate. You have managed to get the treatment you need organised now and that's great. It's important to understand that those who withdrew your treatment didn't do so out of disregard of your wellbeing, even if they ignored your pleas, they genuinely thought they were doing what was best. 🙄 So don't internalise the disregard.

Make sure you get outside, go for walks. You may be behind in your studies, but is important to get out into the elements for your well-being. You are going through a rough patch right now, accept where you are and keep going. Make sure you take care of yourself and eat plenty of fruit and veg and nuts. X

[deniseinmilden in reply to VellBlue]

Exactly what I thought!

What a stunningly good reply!

It's not sad, it's now great that you are looking forward again and will soon be better!

There's a lot to be said for pulling funny, forced smiling faces at yourself in the mirror for several seconds in the morning and looking up a funny joke or cartoon on the Internet (almost no energy required for either) and giving yourself a head start that way!

Mental health is a high proportion of just that - you need to be disciplined to swap negative thoughts for positive ones and force yourself into better habits!

[VellBlue in reply to deniseinmilden]

Ha ha, your reply about the smile reminds me of this: youtu.be/E0MqXuryFG4(Not working as expected?)

Definitely we can do a lot to create the right ambiance for our own wellbeing.

Sometimes even the littlest things can help, just something as simple as body posture. When you feel depressed, you naturally slouch and curl up, but sitting upright with your chest open can make a difference. Obviously I know when you feel awful these things are very difficult, but if we gently persist as much as we can then it can really help.

Just wanted to add that definitely B12 deficiency causes depression and anxiety, and the whole body chemistry struggles. That needs remedying. X

[Jillymo]

Bless you I know exactly how you feel big hugs. 🤗

I have been so disfunctional I have lost a whole year !

I do hope you start to pick up soon and your mood lightens. 🙏

[VellBlue in reply to Jillymo]

"lost a whole year" - know what you mean! 🤗🌻

[Luac]

Hey purple girl - I was the same as you and im a teacher. The brain fog was terrible alongside that crappy heavy tiredness and depression.

The good news is that the b12 injections work very well if you get the right dosage. I can say that as long as i keep on top of it, the deficiency doesnt hurt nearly so bad.

Please make sure you get the right treatment - this can be difficult when youre suffering, maybe someone can help you for moral support?

It is very useful to look at what the nhs and nice say about b12 deficiency to make sure you get the right treatment.

Ultimately, you may need to take matters in yoyr own hands and consider buying your own b12 injections. That was the only way I could begin to function. I did this with my gp knowing.

You should let your school/college/uni know, it is something that can be taken into consideration for exams if need be.

It can be a horrible feeling, be accepting of how it affects you - let yourself sleep as long as you can. Be good to yourself and keep up the hope.

[Michael-MGP]

Hello Purplegirl2,The replies you have had are spot on.

I was 18 months until I was diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia causing B12-D.

My GP was a complete Dork - I ended up moving doctors eventually after lots of fights. Their incompetence is on record and hope they get what they deserve.

The best advice I can give:

- Share your health and challenges - people will appreciate it and help you.

- Plenty of rest.

- Eat healthily

- Gradually mentally recover at your own pace. I used YouTube to get info and for education and also entertainment. You can get everything on YouTube!!

You are now on the road to recovery. Take it easy - but most importantly, be positive.

I bounced back very quickly from a bad position.

Good luck - Christmas is no far off….